Vinc Pichel

Vinc Pichel (born November 23, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2009, Pichel was also a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

Early life
Growing up in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, Pichel was expelled from multiple schools due to his behavior during his youth. He never graduated, and at the age of 15 he was already using drugs which ultimately led him to get kicked out from his home by his mother. For five years he was using drugs and lacking permanent residence but after getting introduced to MMA by his friend, Pichel straightened out and started ambitious training.

Early career
Pichel compiled an amateur record of 10–1 before turning professional in 2009. He won his first seven fights by KO/TKO before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

The Ultimate Fighter: Live
Pichel was one of 32 Lightweight fighters announced by the UFC to participate in first live season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Pichel advanced into the TUF house and won two bouts before losing to Al Iaquinta.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
After reaching the semifinals in The Ultimate Fighter: Live, Pichel was given an opportunity in the UFC. He made his official UFC debut on December 15, 2012. Pichel fought promotional newcomer Rustam Khabilov and lost the fight via KO due to a suplex and punches in the first round.

Pichel next fought Garett Whiteley at UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou on January 15, 2014. He won the fight by a unanimous decision.

Pichel faced Anthony Njokuani at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014. He won the fight via unanimous decision. In the months after the fight, Pichel suffered a torn labrum and bicep, sidelining him for three years.

After an extended hiatus, Pichel returned to face Damien Brown on June 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 110. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Pichel faced Joaquim Silva on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Pichel faced Gregor Gillespie on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131. He lost the fight via arm-triangle choke in the second round.

Pichel faced Roosevelt Roberts on June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 3. He won the fight via unanimous decision. The fight was the last of his prevailing contract with the UFC, making him a free agent.

Pichel was scheduled to face Alexander Yakovlev on November 9, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 21 However, Pichel pulled out of the fight on October 24 citing an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Roosevelt Roberts.

Having recovered from the hip surgery that pulled him from the Yakovlev fight, Pichel faced Jim Miller at UFC 252 on August 15, 2020. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Pichel faced Austin Hubbard on August 21, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 29. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Pichel was scheduled to face Mark Madsen on February 12, 2022, at UFC 271. However, they were moved to UFC 273 due to unknown reasons. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Pichel was scheduled to face Jesse Ronson on October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 211. However, Pichel withdrew due to an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Joaquim Silva.

Pichel was scheduled to face Benoît Saint-Denis on July 1, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 48. However, Pichel pulled out in late-May due to injury and was replaced by Ismael Bonfim.

Pichel was scheduled to face Ismael Bonfim on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. At the weigh-ins, Ismael Bonfim weighed in at 159.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. As a result, his scheduled bout with Ismael Bonfim was scrapped. The pair was eventually rebooked for UFC 301 on May 4, 2024. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Personal life
Pichel formerly worked for AAA while also fighting in the UFC. Later, he went to school to become an electrician instead.